The Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian armed forces. It is the world's fourth largest air force. Its primary responsibility is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during a conflict. It is  under the control of the ministry of defence.e.

Career Opportunities in the Indian Air Force

• Flying Branch
• Technical Branch
• Ground Duty Branch

TYPES OF COMMISSION

Permanent Commission: A Permanent Commission means a career in the Air Force till you retire.
MEN

For Flying Branch

After 10+2 - Join NDA

After Graduation - Join through CDSE

For Technical and Ground Duty Branches - Opt for Permanent Commission (PC) course through AFCAT and join Air Force Academy

WOMEN

Presently Women Officers of Education and Accounts Branch only are being considered for Permanent Commission. Option for PC will be considered/offered on successful completion of Short Service Commission (SSC) tenure, subject to Vacancies, suitability, merit, willingness and service requirements.

•  Short Service Commission: A Short Service Commission means a limited period career in the Air Force.

For Men and Women

Available to graduate and post graduate entries only

Tenure:

Flying Branch – The engagement period is 14 years from date of commissioning (not extendable)

Technical and Ground Duty branches – The engagement period would be for a period of 10 years. An extension of 4 years may be granted subject to vacancies, suitability, merit, willingness and service requirement.

Marital Status: Candidates below 25 years of age and must be unmarried.

WAY TO INDIAN AIR FORCE

NDA

•  Eligibility Criteria

Age - 16 ½ to 19 years(at the time of commencement of course)

Nationality – Indian

Gender - Men only

• Educational Qualifications - 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics. Appearing final year students can also eligible to apply.

Services Selection Board

Stage 1

Officer Intelligence rating Test

Picture perception and Discussion Test

Stage 2

Psychological Tests

Group Tests

Interview

Stage 3

Medical Test

AFTER ENGINEERING

Flying Branch

Ground Duty Branches

Technical Branch

Second Route: AFCAT

Flying Branch (Short Service Commission)

Technical Branch (Short Service Commission and Permanent Commission)

Ground Duty Branch (Short Service Commission and Permanent Commission)

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria

•  Technical Branch

Education: Four year degree qualification or have cleared Sections A and B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with 60% marks

Age Limit: 20 to 26 years on 01.07.2017 (born between 02.07.1991 to 01.07.1997 including both dates)

Min Height: 157.5 cms with correlated weight,
women – 152 cms

•  Ground Duty Branch

Education:

Graduate degree (Min 3 years) in any discipline with min 60% marks or Post graduate degree with min 50% marks for Administration and Logistics posts.

B.Com with min 60% marks or Post graduate degree in Commerce/ CA/ ICWA with min 50% marks for Accounts posts

Post graduate degree in any discipline with min 50% marks for Education posts

Age Limit: 20 to 26 years on 01.07.2017 (born between 02.07.1991 to 01.07.1997 including both dates)

Min Height: 157.5 cms with correlated weight, women – 152 cms

Candidates, who have failed the PABT test earlier, are not eligible for this exam.

Final year students can also apply for AFCAT 2017 exam given that they have secured 60% marks in aggregate with no present backlog and must be able to provide provisional or original degree certificate before commencing the training.

•  Flying Branch

Education: Graduation (min 3 years) in any discipline with min 60% marks and have passed Maths and Physics as subject at 10+2 level OR B.E/ B.Tech from a recognized University with min 60% marks.

Age Limit: 20 to 24 years

Min Height: 162.5 cms with correlated weight

Min Vision: 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other

• Self-Discipline
• Physical Fitness
• Ability to slog hard
• Critical thinker
• Leadership qualities
• Team spirit
• Patriotic nature
• Integrity and loyalty

• One can appear for CDS while in final year of graduation as well.
• Most of these exams are conducted twice a year.
• Not all these exams are open for females.
• For NDA age range is 16.5 years to 19 years.
• NDA is open only to male unmarried candidates.
• One needs to be a citizen of India or Nepal/Bhutan/Tibet refugee to apply.
• Age range for entrances after graduation is 20-26 years.
• Minimum 60% aggregate in graduation is needed.
• Apart from educational criteria, physical as well as medical standards as set by Indian Air Force should also be met to be eligible.

• Fly combat or fighter planes carrying ammunition and missiles
• Transport pilots fly planes which carry men and materials
• Provide air support to a moving army, or for para-dropping men and supplies
• Fly along with the pilot and guide the aircraft by using the latest avionic equipment
• Ensure proper maintenance of aircrafts and handle the electronic and communication equipment
• Deliver logistical, meteorological, educational and administrative support to the flying and technical branches
• Provide control and advisory services to enable the pilot to conduct flights in total safety
• Monitor the skies for any potential threat and select the appropriate air defence system
• Be Responsible for provisioning the aircraft with spares, fuel, armaments, etc